City in Illinois, United States
Internet in Chicago: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Chicago?
Median fixed broadband in United States is 307 Mbps and mobile is 187 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Laptop-friendly cafés with fast wifi are common in Wicker Park, West Loop and the Loop; libraries are also good.
Getting online in Chicago
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Xfinity cable, AT&T fibre and Ricochet fibre in some buildings; 300 Mbps–2 Gbps for roughly $50–90 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Laptop-friendly cafés with fast wifi are common in Wicker Park, West Loop and the Loop; libraries are also good. |
| Tourist SIM | Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
| Monthly data plan | $25–50 ($25–50) |
Coworking spaces in Chicago
Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.
| Space | Area | Day pass |
|---|---|---|
| WeWork | The Loop, West Loop, River North | — |
| Industrious | The Loop and River North | — |
| Regus | Multiple locations downtown | — |
Internet speeds in North America
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 307 Mbps | 187 Mbps |
| Canada | 258 Mbps | 86 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Chicago?
Median fixed broadband in United States is 307 Mbps and mobile is 187 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Laptop-friendly cafés with fast wifi are common in Wicker Park, West Loop and the Loop; libraries are also good.
Which SIM card should I get in Chicago?
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest.
Can I use an eSIM in United States?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
Are there coworking spaces in Chicago?
Yes: WeWork, Industrious, Regus.
More about Chicago
Going to Chicago solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: United States
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- AT&T
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Chicago Department of Aviation (O'Hare and Midway)
- Choose Chicago (tourism)
- Chicago Department of Water Management
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.